Tag: friendship

I’m not a fan of January (or February for that matter). The cold winds and dreary days of winter sap my energy and leave me feeling the need to hunker down and wait for spring. This January was no exception. In my mind, snow days, sub-zero cold, and the darkness that accompanies deep winter must simply be endured. This year, however, after so much travel and upheaval in my life I found that January can also be enjoyed, just a little. Continue reading “What made January better?”→

I am a connector. There is nothing I enjoy more than bringing people together. I do that around my dinner table, through small groups, scheduled meals, and impromptu gatherings. For many years, the main way I accomplish this has been through weekly gathering. We’ve opened our home for the better part of a couple decades to small groups of people who make room for each other and prioritize connection through a weekly meeting. These small groups weren’t our idea, we first were gathered up in a group that opened up the world to us as a young family. We found that we weren’t alone. We found that behind the Sunday morning smile, other families struggled to figure it out too. We found company for the fun days and friends for the hard ones. We remain deeply connected to many of the people who have done life with us through these life-giving groups. Continue reading “Making connections…”→

Sometimes I need a friend that will take me on the road. After weeks of pressure and stress, the excitement of the baby shower, and months of turmoil and change I needed a day away. My friend texted me on Friday and let me know that as the Cruise Director, she had scheduled a day away. Would I be interested? Of course I was. Continue reading “An adventure…”→

He pulled up in the driveway, unannounced. His hair is grayer now, and his walk is stiff, but I remember when he was young…When we were young together. Our lives have taken many turns over the years, but I am always happy to catch up, to keep up with this old friend. Continue reading “An old friend…”→

A year ago I hit submit on my very first blog post. My stomach churned and I felt a little unsteady, but then I assured myself only a few people would see it. And it was fine. My intended audience was 12 humans. I reasoned, this project was worth my time if 12 people read it each week. When I whined to a friend about how hard it was, how the technology is hard, how I hate that there is no response… she said, “Shut up and write. All the rest is noise.” So, I’ve tried to shut up and write. Continue reading “12 people…”→

The other day we gathered to say goodbye. The crisp March day blustered and weak sunshine peaked from behind puffy clouds. The church walkway was cluttered with mostly older folks. He was in his early seventies, a faithful servant, a husband, a father, a grandfather. We sang anthems of faith, about victory, about hope, about overcoming adversity and pain. We sang about Jesus. We listened to his daughters tell stories of his life, his mischief, his passion for others, and his joy. I sat with friends, tears streaming down my cheeks as we said goodbye to someone I didn’t really know. Continue reading “A good funeral…”→

Sometimes life’s pressures push and pull at me until my soul is scrunched up in a tight fist. Often this happens slowly over time, my soul reacting to first one thing, then another, then another. I think I am doing fine, until it is quite evident that I am not. Last week this recognition came suddenly as I spoke about a difficult topic. I hate it when I realize that I am struggling at the exact same time a room full of friends do. Continue reading “The unfolding…”→

Five women gathered. They arrived at the table from different seasons, different backgrounds, different experiences. They shared their lives, shared small and great triumphs, shared their fears, and shared their failures. The prepared cards asked searching questions about loneliness. Continue reading “On loneliness…”→

Recently, a friend’s family has taken a turn toward a road no one wants to walk. Terms like tumor, brain surgery, and malignancy mark this season in their lives. They have clustered together like a knot around their loved one. Tomorrow they will sit and wait while experts try and cut away, not too much, and make a way for healing. Continue reading “When the road turns dark…”→

She sends Facebook notes and messages. Today it was a poem. The words take my breath away. She knows. It is a tender thing, to be seen. It is especially tender to be seen, through your words. I am grateful. Continue reading “The real deal…”→

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If you wandered down my long drive, I would welcome you into my home and hand you something to eat. We would share a cup of warmth and chat about things that matter, about our hearts, about faith, hope, and family. I hope you linger here and find friendship, encouragement, and the confidence that comes from knowing that you are not alone. Thank you for stopping by!